Skin Issue Spotlight: Comedones
If you've ever run your fingers across your forehead or chin and noticed tiny bumps that never seem to come to a head, chances are you're dealing with comedones. They're one of the most common forms of acne Estheticians see in the treatment room, and thankfully, they're also one of the most manageable. The key is understanding what they are while also resisting the urge to attack them.
A comedone is simply a clogged pore. Our skin is constantly renewing itself, shedding dead skin cells while our sebaceous glands produce oil (also called sebum) to keep the skin healthy and protected. When those dead skin cells don't shed as efficiently as they should, they can mix with sebum inside the pore and create a tiny plug. Because comedones aren't inflamed, they usually aren't red, swollen, or painful. They simply create texture beneath the skin.
There are two types:
Closed comedones (whiteheads): The pore remains covered by a thin layer of skin, leaving behind those small flesh-colored or white bumps that can make skin feel uneven.
Open comedones (blackheads): The pore stays open, allowing the material inside to oxidize when exposed to air. Despite their appearance, blackheads aren't dirt—the dark color is simply oxidation.
Comedones aren't a sign that your skin is dirty. They can develop for a number of reasons, including excess oil production, slower cell turnover, hormonal fluctuations, genetics, or skincare products that aren't the best match for your skin. Sometimes they're simply part of how your skin naturally functions.
The goal isn't to scrub them away (because you can't), it's to help your skin do what it was designed to do. A consistent routine that includes gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, healthy cell turnover, and barrier-supporting hydration will always be more effective than aggressive treatments. Remember, comedones take time to form, so they also take time to clear.
Professional extractions are one of my favorite parts of giving a facial because they allow us to gently clear congestion while minimizing trauma to the skin. If you're dealing with persistent congestion, I highly recommend seeing a licensed esthetician. Proper extractions can make a tremendous difference, and they'll also help identify what's causing the congestion in the first place.
If you're going to attempt extractions at home (and I know many people will), start with clean skin, sanitized tools, and clean hands. Never dig, pinch, or continue squeezing if the clog isn't releasing easily. A little patience today is far better than dealing with lingering redness or scarring later.
The best way to prevent comedones is through consistency, not intensity.
Make sure you are double cleansing your skin every evening, removing makeup and sunscreen thoroughly, and exfoliating regularly without overdoing it, and supporting your skin barrier with nourishing hydration + moisture. Healthy skin sheds dead cells more efficiently, making it less likely for pores to become congested in the first place.
Like so many things in skincare, there isn't a quick fix. But with a thoughtful routine and a little patience, your skin knows exactly what to do.
